Best Splitboard Bindings For 2025 Tested in the Tetons

Long gone are the days of only 1 or 2 companies manufacturing splitboard bindings. The splitboard industry continues to grow as does the innovations in splitboading and splitboard bindings specifically. Check out our picks for the best splitboard specific bindings of the year below.

Mountain Weekly News Founder, Mike Hardaker reviews the latest splitboard bindings. From Union, to Burton, Vitro, K2 we cover all the best splitboard bindings on the market for going up hill ascension performance and how they perform on the ride downhill.  We have been tested splitboard bindings for over a decade. Enjoy Mike’s picks below.

Best Splitboard Bindings We Tested

Union Charger Splitboard Bindings

The best splitboard bindings of the year goes to the Union Charger Splitboard Binding.  If you snowboard for the turns, care about your style and really enjoy adding a little bit of freestyle riding into your backcountry laps there is no better binding on the market for splitboarding.

This Union Splitboard Binding will allow you to ride your splitboard in any terrain the same exact way you would be on a solid board. Honestly, out of the 10 bindings on this list Union is one of only a handful of companies making a splitboard binding that can be ridden both inbounds and in the backcountry without sacrificing performance.

For straps, to lock your toes in Union uses their super-responsive Exoframe 5.0 Ankle Strap along with the lightest strap they have ever built, the TS 4.0 Toe Strap. The upgraded Charger Binding is now pinless and really easy to get on and off the board with a nice locking push down design on the heel that clicks into place when the board is ready to ride. For anyone looking for a high performance splitboard binding that rides like your favorite regular snowboard binding, you found it in the Chargers.

On Snow Test Results: Union Charger Splitboard Binding

Sizes: S, M, L

Pucks: Interface Included for Splitboard and Solid

Not Compatible with Burton Channel System

Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Bindings

A close second place for best splitboard bindings of the year goes to Burton for their Hitchhiker binding that was built with the help of Spark R&D. So if the binding looks familiar it’s because it’s basically a Spark R&D Binding made better by Burton Snowboards own team.

For anyone that loves Sparks and rightfully so this is an even better version of what Spark R&D currently makes. Burton added Hammock Straps for the ankle straps, along with a molded rubber Supergrip toe cap strap that really pulls your boot back into the binding nice and securely.

Toss in the tried and true Burton snowboard buckles and ratchets featuring Insta-Click and you have a powerhouse of a binding that’s great on both the way up and down.  These bindings slide over a set of Voile or Spark pucks and have been the go-to style of splitboard bindings for years and for good reason. The system works pretty flawlessly.

These bindings feature 2 heights for the heel risers depending on how steep your skin track needs to be.

On Snow Test Results: Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Binding

Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Pucks: Not Included, Voile, or Spark Compatible Pucks Available

Price: $489.95

Nitro Vertical ST Splitboard Bindings

Rounding out the top 3 splitboard bindings of the year goes to Nitro for their Vertical ST Bindings. Which, like the Burton Hitchikers was also built in collaboration with Spark R&D. One of the things that stands out about this binding is its use of padding on the base plate. Something that I can’t figure out why all splitboard bindings aren’t being built around. The EVA Dampening on the Baseplate really helps to cut down on chatter. If you find yourself routinely riding in hardpacked snow, ice or over avalanche debri seriouslly consider these bindings.

The binding features ankle straps are uber comfortable which come from Nitro’s years of making traditional snowboard bindings, while the Ubergrip Toe strap does a nice job of securing your foot in place.

Like the Burtons these bindings slide over a set of Voile or Spark Pucks to lock into place. What amazes me though is that both Nitro and Burton were able to make a binding better based off Spark R&D’s design yet Spark hasn’t stepped up with anything new in years? If you care about your downhill performance, these Nitro Splitboard Bindings are worth checking out.

On Snow Test Results: Nitro Vertical Splitboard Bindings

Sizes: M, L

Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available

Karakoram Nomad Splitboard Bindings

It’s been a long time since we last talked about Karakoram on this website. Over the years their technology seemed almost too progressive, with lots of moving parts that could easily fail in the backcountry. Now thankfully Karakoram is bridging the gap between big mountain splitboarder and weekend warrior.

The Nomad was built around the Karakoram SL Frame and comes with a carbon highback, carbon buckles and a new open base design that allows the binding to have more torsional flexibility. Toss in the Airpod straps and you have a binding that’s able to handle a ton of terrain. One of the things we like the most is the Active Joining connection that allows you to easily attach your Karakoram Splitboard Bindings to the board. Even on icy days the Active Joining System easily locks into place which in the past was the crux of Karakoram bindings.

On Snow Test Results: Karakoram Nomad Splitboard Binding

Sizes: S, M, L

Pucks: Interface Included for Splitboard and Solid

Union Charger FC Carbon Binding

For someone wanting the freestyle performance of the Union Bindings on the way downhill but still want a stiffer feel while touring on the uphill the Union Charger FC Carbon Binding is a great pick and way to cut the distance between a pair of Unions and Sparks.

Union made the Charger much stiffer in the FC version with a 9/10 flex rating. Most of that stiffness is due to the use of the EXP3 Forged Carbon Highback. If you’re not used to riding with stiff, carbon highbacks these might be a bit overkill. But for someone wanting to do more big mountain riding, someone that already has uber stiff snowboard boots the Union FC Carbon Version is a nice option.

On Snow Test Results: Union Charger FC Splitboard Binding

Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Pucks: Interface Included for Splitboard and Solid

Not Compatible with Burton Channel System

K2 Farout Binding

The K2 Farout Binding is a binding we have reviewed a few times over the years. It’s built around the standard Aluminum Splitboard Specific Chassis and includes a K2 Highback and K2 Straps with both being unpadded.

Where Voile went with more padding, K2 opted for less with the Sender Ankle straps that are paddles, combined with the PerfecFit toe straps. Less is more here, with K2 opting to make the binding as light as possible.

On Snow Test: K2 Farout Splitboard Bindings

Sizes: S, M, L

Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available

Ride A-Bc Splitboard Bindings

In 2024 Ride decided to throw its hat into the splitboard ring and the legendary binding company nailed it. Like the Voile and K2 binding the base is built off the Aluminum Splitboard Specific Chassis where you can see Ride’s years of snowboard binding manufacturing technology at work in the highback and straps. With an easy slide on and off design and locking push tab on the heel Ride’s first take into the splitboard world works.

Ride throws in a super easy “slide on, slide off” design to get you going quick and easily. Add in the push tab and Ride’s first toe into the splitboard binding world kills it

On Snow Test: Ride A-Bc Splitboard Binding

Sizes: S, M, L

Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available

Voile Light Rail Splitboard Bindings

The next 3 bindings on this roundup are built off the Voile Splitboard binding frame. The Voile Light Rail Binding’s aluminum splitboard-specific chassis mimics the way Spark Bindings work with the major difference being you slide the bindings on backwards vs forward.  What stands out with the Voiles are their touring tech piece that locks the toe with a latch found in ski boot and binding technology. Voile makes skis too so it only makes sense that they took that tech and brought it to splitboarding.

Both the ankle and toe straps on the Light Rail Bindings look way more like a traditional snowboard binding and feel that way thanks in part to the heavier padded straps. Which is ironic based on the bindings name. Voile also make a similar binding in the Voile Speed Rail.

Sizes: S, M, L

Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available

Rossignol Escaper Splitboard Bindings

Finally SP Bindings have teamed up with Rossignol to introduce the Rossignol Escaper Binding to the North American splitboard market. Now don’t cringe too hard at the pin as Spark, Voile and Union all started as pin bindings, and they worked great. Pin bindings have been part of splitboarding since the beginning since it’s about the most reliable technology there is. My first decade of splitboarding was on a pin binding, so they work. The majority of the interface is built off the tried and true Voile hardware.

This splitboard binding’s rear entry design is called Fastec. It’s a design that makes it easy to get in and to get out of these comfortable reclining-highbacked bindings. It also comes with comfortable straps, a tiny bit of padding on the base and toolless adjustments.  Nidecker made waves in the snowboard industry with their rear entry binding last year and 2024 is seeing the release of the Burton Step On Splitboard Binding so things look to be changing rapidly on the splitboard front, especially when it comes to bindings.

Sizes: M, L, XL

Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available

Plum Eterlou Splitboard Bindings

Plum is a brand we haven’t talked about in over 5 years. Mainly because it’s really hard if not impossible to get their gear in N. America. With less restrictions on buying globally, Plum really oughtta be on your radar. Especially if you’re not located in the United States of America.  With the Eterlou model you basically get an older style Karakoram frame combined with NOW Snowboard Binding Straps.

The only downside to these bindings is they come with a lot of moving parts. Getting them set up  is sort of a pain in the ass. Once put together, though, you have a very powerful big-mountain stiff splitboard binding. One feature you’ll love it its built-in heel lock for when you’re skinning distances. And that combines with a softer highback and more padding for next-level comfort.

Tal the founder and designer is clearly a splitboarder and heck of an engineer.

Sizes: S, M, L

Pucks: Interface Included

Past Winners

Best Splitboard Bindings 2023

Union Explorer Bindings

There’s still lots of peanut gallery splitboarders talking trash on these bindings.  That’s fine as those in the know understand the Union Explorer and former Expedition Bindings will ride, feel, perform and look like your traditional standard binding.  And if you have ever ridden Union Bindings at the resort you know they are one of the best manufactures in the game. This binding differs from the Sparks touring as there is only 1 heel riser setting, which has yet to be an issue. The benefit is less moving parts and 4 less screws to mount to the board.

The Explorer Binding got a few upgrades including a locker for the pin to sit in while riding.  Some bright new colorways (lets make splitboarding fun again).  There may be a tiny bit of spin to these bindings when you mount them.  Try it before you knock it as the bindings do NOT spin underfoot while riding.  If anything they give you just a little more play vs having a solid metal binding attached to the board.  Union includes pucks with their bindings that mount to your split and a second set you can mount to a solid board.  2 bindings in one… Check out my full review of the Union Explorer Binding to learn more.

Best for: Riding like you do at a Resort

Price: $399.95

Pucks: Included

Not Compatible with Burton Channel System

Nitro Vertical Bindings

Finally Spark R&D and Union had a baby together, and boom you get the Nitro Vertical Binding.  All kidding aside these brands have not teamed up but it sures seems like it. With the Nitro Vertical Binding you get all the tech found with Spark R&D as they actuall built this binding.  So the baseplate is exactly like Sparks.

Where this binding stands out is with Nitro stepping and making it comfortable. If you have only ridden Sparks before and you put your feet in a splitboard binding with padded footbeds, a soft flexing highback and super comfy toe and heel straps you’re going to wonder why this hadn’t been thought of before?

Go buy this binding, you’ll be stoked, you get the comfort of Unions and response, with that progressive Spark R&D technology you’re familiar with in touring in when you step foot into the Nitro Vertical Binding, which is pinless.

Best For: Freestyle Fun in the Backcountry

Price: $469.95

Pucks: Not Included

Burton Hitchhiker Bindings

Another Spark R&D Binding that has gotten some comfort and the Burton factor added to it is the Burton Hitchiker Binding.  I like this binding and the Nitro’s above more then any other Spark Splitboard Bindings.  Why? Comfort, comfort, comfort.

Burton makes snowboard bindings, some darn comfortable ones at that.  This high performance binding will perform very similiar to any of the Sparks touring, transitiong and whrere it changes a little is in the ridding. Burton added highback with foam padding that really allows you to spend that much more time in the binding without feeling a pinch or pressure point that can be found with stiffer harder plastic bindings. Burton straps and ladders make this an incredibly reliable bindings, and it’s super easy to find spare parts for.

Best for: Fans of Burton Snowboard Boots and Spark R&D

Price: $459.95

Pucks: Not Included

Union Explorer FC Splitboard Bindings

The Union Expedition FC Binding is Union’s newly updated lightweight splitboard binding. Union took the Expedition Binding out of the lineup and re-introduced it with a carbon fiber highback that sheds weight making them lighter than the Expedition 2.0’s.  Do keep in mind that Union Splitboard Bindings look and feel more like a traditional snowboard binding, with that comes a little added weight and the tried and true feel of a binding you’re most likely accustomed to.

What I like about these Union Bindings is if you add the Union Quiver Disk you can run these bindings on your solid too. When you put your boots inside the Union Expedition FC Bindings you just might forget your on a splitboard. Especially when you’re flying down the mountain blasting off everything in your path.

Best Use: A splitboard binding that can be used in and out of bounds.

Price: $549.95

Pucks: Included

Not Compatible with Burton Channel System

Spark R&D Arc Pro Splitboard Bindings

What makes the Spark R&D Arc Pro Splitboard Specific Bindings special is the weight, at only 1.23 lb per binding (557g) this the lightest soft boot men’s splitboard binding on the market. For 2021 Spark’s Arc Pro’s feature Pebax Plastic in their pillow line straps.  These straps are comfortable, without bulk and easy to move around in the cold. For big mountain riders demanding performance the Rip N Flip Highbacks have been reinforced with carbon fiber stiffing up the ride a bit allowing for more response from the bindings.

Theses Spark Splitboard Bindings shed even more weight with lighter screws and nuts which are now adjustable via a hex key.  The Spark R&D Binding Company make the best splitboard binding for those looking to reduce the weight of their touring setup.

Best Use: Long days of touring.

Price: $540.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark R&D Surge Pro Splitboard Bindings

The Spark R&D Surge Pro Binding is the lightweight version of Spark’s Surge splitboard binding built for larger more powerful riders.  At 5’11 155 lb I was able to handle this binding but it really likes to be ridden by someone with more bulk, someone that is hard on their gear but doesn’t want to suffer with too much additional weight underfoot.  The Surge Pro Bindings for 2021 managed to shave additional weight at 1.33 lb per binding (603g) which super respectable for a binding designed to handle the needs of heavier dudes.

The stiffer Spark Surge Pro’s also use carbon fiber in the highback and the comfortable, lightweight Pillow Line straps along with the upgraded nuts and screws adjustable via hex key. And Spark’s burly snap ramp to lock you in on the way up

Best Use: Long tours for bigger riders.

Price: $415.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Bindings

This is the binding that really got things moving for Spark R&D.  Most likely you have owned a pair of Spark R&D Arc Bindings, my guess is these are the best selling splitboard binding of all time?  What you get with this binding is a whole lot of reliability on the way up and fun on the way down.  Its the sort of binding you can clank together to get snow off without worrying about breaking anything. Incredibly durable, and pretty much as light as the Pro’s. The Spark R&D Arc Bindings weigh only 1.38 lb per binding (626g).

These bindings forgo the carbon fiber highbacks (found in the Arc Pros) and use Spark’s traditional screws and hardware instead. Toss in the Pillow Line straps and you have my favorite Spark R&D binding to date.

Best Use: Going up and down just about anything you can imagine.

Price: $385.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark R&D Surge Splitboard Bindings

Spark’s Surge Binding is the best splitboard binding for larger riders, dudes with big feet and that are hard on their gear.  Does that sound like you?  This binding can still be ridden by lighter riders but it’s stiffer and more reinforced for powerful responsive riding styles.  Even though the Spark R&D Surge Binding is tougher, the weight is still respectful at 1.50 lb per binding (680g).

Just like all the other Spark Bindings, the Surge’s come with Pillow Line straps, durable buckles and hardware.  The only real difference you’ll notice between with this binding is the solid baseplate vs the Arc’s that have cutouts in the baseplate design.

Best Use: Larger Riders that want reliable bindings.

Price: $415.00

Pucks: Not Included

Union Expedition 2.0 Splitboard Bindings

For someone new to splitboarding the Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings will offer the most familiar feel.  The only hiccup is the interface is a little tricker than the Spark’s to use at first.  Once dialed in though there is nothing that compares to the downhill performance Union offers. Well aside from your traditional snowboard binding as that’s exactly how the Union’s perform.  Zero sacrifice on the way down.  Why is that? These Splitboard Bindings took parts from traditional snowboard bindings and incorporated them into a splitboard binding, including the baseplates, bushing, straps and heelcups.

For 2021 the Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings 2.0, have an updated pin system for touring and riding that offers a tighter fit with less play then in the past.

Best Use: Surfing deep snow.

Price: $399.95

Pucks: Included

Not Compatible with Burton Channel System

K2 Farout Splitboard Bindings

A new player in the splitboard binding game as of late is K2 Snowboarding. The K2 Farout Splitboard Binding may seem similar to Sparks, because they are. The bindings slides onto Voile pucks from the front vs Spark from the back. The main difference between how the K2 Far Out Binding is attached to the board in ride mode vs the Spark R&D system is you actually pull the bindings on the pucks toward you vs Sparks where you slide the bindings over the pucks. So it’s similar in that regard.

The bottom of the Far Our Binding features a Pinless Speed-Rail Mountain System which is essentially 2 hooks that lock into place by wrapping around a metal bar.

Best Use: Just getting into splitboarding, or want to change up your current gear.

Price: $419.95

Pucks: Not Included

Voile Speed Rail Splitboard Bindings

Voile is still in the splitboard game for now (?) with their Speed Rail Binding and Light Rail Women’s Splitboard Binding that come with the new Quick-Lock touring bracket. Voile moved away from the Pinless Speed-Rail Mountain System use of hooks and instead designed a locker similar to AT bindings, something Voile desperately needed to do to stay relevant in the splitboard industry these days.

This Voile Splitboard Binding has a unique feature in the highbacks which has cutouts designed to fit Voile straps to make your own power strap of sorts. Weight 1 lb 7 oz per binding.

Best Use: Someone wanting to switch up their binding interface.

Price: $375.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark Dyno DH Splitboard Bindings

Splitboard Hardboots make touring much more efficient, especially valuable when the majority of our days are spent on the way up. For anyone considering splitboard mountaineering, Spark R&D Dyno DH is a solid splitboard binding from the guys over at Spark R&D. Keep in mind you will sacrifice a little on the descent in terms of freestyle abilities but you’ll get to the top quicker

Best Use: Long tours in hardboots

Price: $250.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark R&D Tech Toes Splitboard Bindings

Also, while splitboard mountaineers previously had to use skiing toepieces to clip into for the ascent, Spark has come out with their own tech toepieces for people looking to use ski boots splitboarding. Instead of having to adapt a pair of AT toepieces to your splitboard (which involves either drilling new holes into your topsheet and mounting them a la ski bindings or using adapters that add weight, height, and expense), Spark’s Tech Toepieces have a split hole pattern built-in.

Best Use: Touring with Dynafit “Tech” Bindings

Price: $160.00

Splitboard Hardware

Spark R&D Crossbar Clips

A cooler new invention for splitboarding is the Spark R&D Crossbar Clip designed to pull both parts of the splitboard in together. In the past, the industry relied on either Voile or Karakoram, so it’s nice to see Spark entering this realm as well. The clips are easy to use and have the ability to be adjusted as needed by turning a set screw. Say goodbye to any gaps between your splitboard moving forward.

Price: $50.00

Karakoram Ultra Clips

Another new piece of tech Karakoram is bringing to the splitboard world comes in the form of new clips to hold your splitboard together. The new UltraClips will according to Karakoram:

Once joined the UltraClip fully constrains the seam of your splitboard to eliminate seam rattling, seam shearing, and seam rolling.

The new UltraClip is music to our ears as it can be super frustrating when your board starts to separate over time, even worse is when you can see light through each half of the board. Luckily it looks like those days are coming to an end thanks to new connectors from both Karakoram and Spark R&D and now Capita has followed suit.  Plum is surely next.

Price: $39.99

Karakoram Flex Lock

With a solid connection between the highback and your ankle strap, this innovative system from Karakoram will help to increase lateral support, something the splitboard world, especially soft booters are in dire need of.

Price: $59.95

If you splitboard you can thank the guys above (left to right) Will Ritter of Spark R&D and Tyler Kloster of Karakoram for their solid innovations to the split world over the past few years.

Related Splitboard Bindings We Tested

1. Spark R&D Arc Pro Splitboard Bindings
2. Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings
3. Spark R&D Surge Splitboard Bindings